result in prison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "result in prison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consequences of actions or behaviors that may lead to imprisonment. Example: "If found guilty of the charges, the defendant could face a sentence that may result in prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Convictions can result in prison sentences.

The New York Times

The original charge carried a possible sentence of five years, but misdemeanors do not usually result in prison time.

The New York Times

Prosecutors said the criminal charges in connection with environmental crimes could result in prison terms of 20 years for each defendant.

The New York Times

The Saudi interior ministry spokesman Turki al-Faisal reportedly said that cyber-laws banning political dissent could apply and result in prison sentences of up to five years.

Independent

In Georgia, some counties try indigent defendants in nonfelony cases without providing lawyers, even when a conviction may result in prison time -- a direct violation of Gideon.

The New York Times

Several people close to the case have said he refused to strike any bargain with prosecutors that might result in prison time for his father, who is 80.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

White-collar crime rarely results in prison, still less in long sentences.

The Economist

The Raleigh News & Observer first reported that the plea agreement would have resulted in prison time.

The New York Times

Sex trafficking victims from Moldova testified in a Serbian court, resulting in prison terms for 14 traffickers.

The New York Times

Strikes or unauthorized news reports resulted in prison sentences, and illegal political activity was punishable by death.

The New York Times

It resulted in prison sentences for senior military members and weakened, if not ended, the military's capacity to conduct coups as it had done in the past.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "result in prison", ensure the context clearly establishes the action or event leading to imprisonment. For example, "Committing fraud can "result in prison"".

Common error

Avoid using "result in prison" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for alternatives like "end up in jail" or "face consequences" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "result in prison" functions as a verb phrase indicating a consequence or outcome. It connects an action, event, or decision with the possibility or certainty of imprisonment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "result in prison" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the potential consequence of imprisonment. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is primarily found in news and media, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the action leading to imprisonment, and consider the context to avoid overuse in informal situations. Alternatives such as "lead to imprisonment" or "face jail time" may be more appropriate depending on the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to imprisonment

This alternative emphasizes the causation of imprisonment as a consequence.

end in incarceration

This phrase highlights the termination of freedom and confinement within a correctional facility.

carry a prison sentence

Focuses on the sentence itself being connected with imprisonment.

attract a custodial sentence

This is a more formal way of saying that certain actions may lead to imprisonment.

be punishable by imprisonment

This phrase describes the legal possibility of imprisonment for specific actions.

face jail time

This alternative uses a more informal term for imprisonment.

incur a prison term

Highlights the action of acquiring or bringing upon oneself a prison sentence.

be sentenced to imprisonment

This phrase focuses on the judicial act of assigning a prison sentence.

mean time behind bars

An idiomatic alternative referring to serving a sentence in prison.

put someone behind bars

This emphasizes the act of incarcerating someone.

FAQs

How to use "result in prison" in a sentence?

You can use "result in prison" to indicate that a specific action or behavior leads to imprisonment, such as "Committing perjury can "result in prison"".

What can I say instead of "result in prison"?

You can use alternatives like "lead to imprisonment", "face jail time", or "be sentenced to imprisonment" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "result in prison" formal or informal?

"Result in prison" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news reports, legal discussions, and formal writing. Less formal alternatives include "end up in jail".

What's the difference between "result in prison" and "lead to imprisonment"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""result in prison"" is slightly more direct, whereas "lead to imprisonment" may imply a longer causal chain. They are often interchangeable.